Reports: Generic extended-release drugs to get more attention from FDA

NEW YORK – Some generic drugs may come under more scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration amid reports that the generic version of a treatment for depression didn’t work as well as the branded version, according to published reports.

The New York Times reported that the FDA would look at companies making generic extended-release drugs after it received reports that patients taking Impax Labs’ generic version of Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) in the 300-mg strength was less effective than GlaxoSmithKline’s original version. Impax and Teva, which also makes generic bupropion, have stopped marketing the drug in that strength.

The FDA said that although the problem appeared to only affect that one strength of the drug, it would start to pay closer attention to how companies make generic extended-release drugs, according to the Times. The newspaper also quoted Generic Pharmaceutical Association president and CEO Ralph Neas as saying he supported the science behind the FDA’s decisions as well as continued development of that science.

Global MS market to reach $19.5 billion in 2017, report finds

FARMINGTON, Conn. – The global market for treatments for neurodegenerative disorders will exceed $20 billion before the end of the decade, according to a new report.

Global Information announced the availability of four research reports that analyze the global markets for treatments for syndromes of progressive ataxia and weakness disorders. According to GII, the global market for treatments was nearly $14 billion and is expected to reach $23.5 billion by 2017, after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 9.4%.

Treatments for progressive weakness syndromes — a category that includes MS — are expected to total nearly $14.6 billion this year and $22.8 billion by 2017; MS treatments are expected to reach $19.5 billion by 2017.

Treatments for dementia and movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, are expected to reach $11.1 billion this year and $16.7 billion in 2017.

Cardinal’s OncoSourceRx URAC awarded specialty pharmacy accreditation

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions on Wednesday announced that its specialty pharmacy, OncoSourceRx, has been awarded Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation from URAC, a Washington-based healthcare accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the healthcare industry.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious accreditation from URAC,” stated Recie Bomar, VP specialty pharmacy for Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions. “We are very pleased to receive this important recognition, which underscores the quality of our work and demonstrates our commitment to complying with national standards for delivering safe and effective specialty pharmacy services.”

“By applying for and receiving Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation, Cardinal Health Specialty Pharmacy, OncoSourceRx, has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care,” added Alan Spielman, URAC president and CEO. “Quality health care is crucial to our nation’s welfare, and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards.”

URAC offers the only third-party, voluntary accreditation program of this scope for the pharmacy benefit management and prescription services industries. Its standards were developed by URAC’s Pharmacy Advisory Committee, which includes a range of stakeholders including employers, consumers, pharmacy consultants, health plans, retail pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management organizations, pharmacy professional organizations, labor and large public purchasing groups.

As part of a panel at the recent Drug Store News Industry Issues Summit, officials from Walmart and Kroger shared the ways the two organizations go about taking a collaborative approach to health care.

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